This 4-day JAX Short Course will focus on the fundamentals of quantitative behavior analysis, machine learning, and data science, and will be aimed at researchers from the fields of neuroscience, genetics, and biomedical research.
In-Person Capacity: 40 | Virtual Option Available
Registration is Open
Oct 09 - 12
2023
Over the past few years, behavior quantification and modeling has experienced an explosion of innovation and discovery largely enabled by application of new machine learning methods. These methods have enabled the quantification of behavior at high temporal and spatial resolution, and in concordance with simultaneous measurement and manipulation of neural and genetic function. However, access to this revolutionary technology is limited primarily due to a lack of adequate resources and training. Democratization of this technology through training of the next generation of scientists is necessary to elevate the field of quantitative behavior.
The Short Course on the Application of Machine Learning for Automated Quantification of Behavior will disseminate the theoretical and technical knowledge of this field, and train researchers to apply machine learning methods to behavior quantitation and modeling. Our goal is to build an educational program that fosters productive and interactive dialogue, teaches proper methodology, and provides support structure to nurture and lower the barrier of entry into this nascent field. The course will:
This course is appropriate for early career researchers from the fields of neuroscience, genetics, and biomedical research and will prioritize diverse learners and those who are educators and mentors. The short course will also include scientific lectures and promote collaborative networking between researchers and technology developers to drive innovation in animal behavior modeling.
The in-person course includes morning lectures from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, lunch, activities led by instructors (such as walking or hiking) between 1:00 - 3:00 PM, hands-on workshops from 3:00 - 6:00 PM and informal evening discussions after dinner. In addition, participants will have additional opportunities to interact with faculty on special outings and during a poster session.
The virtual audience will have access the live-stream of morning lectures from (approximately) 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT and will have the ability to ask questions at the end of each lecture through a virtual Q+A function. In addition, all lectures will be recorded and posted within 72 hours of airing on a centralized Canvas course that participants will have access to for six months following the course.
The virtual audience will not have access to live or recorded versions of workshops or evening discussions.
The 2023 course schedule is currently being developed. Please view the 2022 schedule for an idea of course content and flow
In-Person Requirements: Participants must bring a laptop with a Mac or Windows operating system (not a tablet, Chromebook, etc.) that they have administrative privileges on. You will also need a reasonably up-to-date browser, such as a current version of the Chrome, Safari or Firefox browsers (some older browsers, including Internet Explorer version 9 and below, are not supported). Basic scripting or programming knowledge is suggested but not required.
Registration Fee: $1,300; Optional Shared Lodging Fee: $150
Standard Registration Fee: $325; Scholarship Applicant Registration Fee: $25
Registration Fee: $1,300; Optional Shared Lodging Fee: $150
On-Campus
Lodging accommodations at JAX’s Highseas Conference Center is available for an additional fee. Highseas, located approximately 1 mile from The Jackson Laboratory, is a spacious estate built in 1912, overlooking the entrance to Frenchman Bay and adjacent to beautiful Acadia National Park. Highseas is handicap accessible (please indicate accessibility needs in registration). This lodging option cannot accommodate families. Rooms may be shared with other participants.
Off-Campus
Participants choosing off-campus lodging are responsible for securing arrangements and may refer to the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce website for a guide on hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, and short-term rentals in the Bar Harbor area.
Air
Bar Harbor is serviced by two airports:
Hancock County/Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) – 20 minutes away
Bangor International Airport (BGR) – 1hr 15 minutes away
Public transportation is not available from local airports. Please visit the Bar Harbor and Bangor airport services webpages for information on shuttles to and from Mount Desert Island. Rideshare options like Uber or Lyft are not commonly available.
Ground
Bar Harbor is approximately 5 hours by car from the greater Boston area. Rental cars are available from Hertz at either nearby airport. Additionally, there is a free Island Explorer bus system which can be used around the island and the national park.
Associate Professor of Biology
Assistant Professor
Associate Professor
Associate Professor